RP Climate Change proposal gains UNFCCC, ASEAN support

MANILA, July 10 — The Philippine proposal for a “deep and early cut” of carbon dioxide emissions by industrialized countries received overwhelming support from no less than the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in a meeting held last month in Bonn, Germany.

Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change Secretary Heherson Alvarez relayed this good news today to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who was visibly elated during the climate change briefing held in Abucay, Tondo this morning.

The President was in Tondo to lead the launching ceremony of the Abucay pumping station.

Alvarez said the Bonn meeting was aimed at crafting a new climate change protocol when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

The Philippine proposal was for industrialized countries to cut their carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent from 2013 to 2017, at least 50 percent from 2018 to 2022, and 95 percent by 2050, all from 1990 levels.

The proposal was submitted by the Philippine panel in consideration of the country’s suffering from the early brunt of the creeping climate change.

“This is timely and adequate to moderate the impacts on our communities,” Alvarez explained.

He pointed out that the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members were all supportive of the Philippine proposal because like the Philippines, they are also most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Philippine proposal, according to Alvarez, also drew the support of the UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, “who lauded the leadership of the President and the active role of the Philippine delegation.”

Alvarez expressed optimism that the Philippine proposal will be able to win the support of more nations. (PNA)

scs/OPS/ssc

Similar Posts:

• PGMA to reaffirm RP participation in UN negotiations for new climate change protocol
• PGMA to meet UN climate change expert next month
• UNFCCC backs RP’s call for deep emissions cuts; reduction targets not deep enough, says de Boer
• RP submits National Framework Strategy on Climate Change to UNFCCC — Alvarez
• Alvarez eyes creation of climate change agency